Chapter VI.
Dressing for tea had become its very own version of limbo. For everyone but Edith.
Cora was pacing nervously in her bedroom, fumbling with the bow at the back of her silken belt.
"Please, don't get me wrong, Robert. I'm thrilled to have them, I just didn't think it was fair on the people who work here to put them under so much pressure shortly before Christmas. And may I remind you, it was your dear mother who suggested they should arrive after the Christmas Dance, so as not to upset seating and food arrangements." she said, eyeing her husband half reproachful, half amused.
He was smiling. "I know, Cora. And I'm in awe at how you've managed to arrange it all. The staff will get an extra gift this Christmas. It's all been settled."
He stood from where he had been sitting and put his hands on Cora's shoulders in a gesture of tender mollification.
"I love you." he whispered and kissed her deeply.
It was almost 28 years since they had been married, and thirty since their engagement. Yet, both still felt as if they would never tire of one another.
If only their daughters were so lucky to find the same love and devotion in their marriages.
If they ever got married in the first place, that is.
Edith was certainly keen enough. Unfortunately, eligible gentlemen were scarce since the war and men who were interested in a rather plain, embittered middle daughter with no inheritence were practically non-existent.
Sybil, who was pretty and vivacious, but rather too rebellious and modern in her thoughts, showed more interest in politics and medical care than matrimony.
A pity, since she was the daughter who still had the best chances of marrying well.
Mary was all set with Napier, though he wasn't exactly a match for her, personality-wise. Though he was undoubtedly decent, there was also a certain dullness about him. At least that was Mary's father's and grandmother's opinion.
Cora sighed. Robert didn't know about Mary's indiscretion, the reason behind her sudden fall from social grace.
Evelyn Napier was definitely the best she could do under circumstances.
If only things had gone differently and Mary had taken Matthew when he'd asked her.
But that ship had sailed a long time ago.
"What are you thinking?" Lord Grantham asked his Lady, noticing the dismay on her face.
"I'm thinking...Matthew is back. How different things would be if Mary had..." she did not need to finish.
"Shhh...please don't..for Mary's sake, we mustn't even see it that way anymore. She's stubborn and she made her own decision. We may not like it, but it's not our place to interfere." he said quietly.
Cora nodded. "Yes. But the idea of him bringing this other girl here."
In all honesty, Robert did not relish a reunion with Lavinia Swire anymore than his wife, but she was to be Lady Grantham one day, wherefore she deserved their respect and kindness, if not their affection.
"I can only hope that my mother will behave..." he worried quietly, and Cora broke into laughter, a burst of mirth he was glad to have elicited, if only to diffuse the tension.
Outside, a car engine could be heard, muffled by the white noise of the falling snow.